I was wondering if using a citrus based cleaner/degreaser on leather seats would harm them? I didn't find anything searching through the forums so I thought I would ask before trying it and having my seats end up ruined.

Has anyone used Chemical Guys heavy duty clay bar? It appears that it would be the exact thing I need for the paint problem I'm having. From the rear doors and back it almost feels like sandpaper and up close looks like sand is on the paint. You can't tell from a distance when it's clean but it's annoying. I used Meguiar's Clay Kit and the clay went from white to brown. It made the paint look and feel better but it's nowhere as clean as it could be :(. I'm guessing that any clay bar in a big box store is a fine grade clay.

viking757

12-10-2012 11:57 PM

Re: Citrus based cleaner/degreaser and question about clay bar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xanatos03
(Post 721835)

I was wondering if using a citrus based cleaner/degreaser on leather seats would harm them? I didn't find anything searching through the forums so I thought I would ask before trying it and having my seats end up ruined.

Has anyone used Chemical Guys heavy duty clay bar? It appears that it would be the exact thing I need for the paint problem I'm having. From the rear doors and back it almost feels like sandpaper and up close looks like sand is on the paint. You can't tell from a distance when it's clean but it's annoying. I used Meguiar's Clay Kit and the clay went from white to brown. It made the paint look and feel better but it's nowhere as clean as it could be :(. I'm guessing that any clay bar in a big box store is a fine grade clay.

I would be weary of using it on the leather as citrus cleaners generally strip off waxes, oils etc and could damage the leather. I usually get a real hot bucket of plain water and a microfiber towel. Dip the towel in and squeeze the excess water out then use it to clean your seats repeating the prior steps when it begins to cool off. The heat opens the "pores" in the leather and you will be surprised what pure water will do. After that dress the leather with whatever conditioner your prefer.

As for the chemical guys products I have not used their clays but I like a lot of their other products if your paint isn't smooth as glass clay it up just make sure to use lots of lube.

Xanatos03

12-12-2012 10:15 PM

Re: Citrus based cleaner/degreaser and question about clay bar.

Awesome, thanks for the info. I'll have to try it out when it's not so cold!

kennzz05

12-13-2012 12:56 AM

Re: Citrus based cleaner/degreaser and question about clay bar.

if you purchased the vehicle used, its been wrecked or at least repainted in that area, shitty paint work causes that effect i have it on the back of my srt8 and im sure theres no way it left the factory that way

viking757

12-13-2012 04:59 PM

Re: Citrus based cleaner/degreaser and question about clay bar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xanatos03
(Post 723863)

Awesome, thanks for the info. I'll have to try it out when it's not so cold!

You're welcome

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennzz05
(Post 723916)

if you purchased the vehicle used, its been wrecked or at least repainted in that area, shitty paint work causes that effect i have it on the back of my srt8 and im sure theres no way it left the factory that way

One of my rear panels has some orange peel from the factory in the area right by the rear glass on the passenger side.

kennzz05

12-15-2012 10:18 PM

Re: Citrus based cleaner/degreaser and question about clay bar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by viking757
(Post 724178)

You're welcome

One of my rear panels has some orange peel from the factory in the area right by the rear glass on the passenger side.

i was referring to that sandpaper like feeling on his paint its like overspray

Silver WK

01-17-2013 02:07 AM

Re: Citrus based cleaner/degreaser and question about clay bar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xanatos03
(Post 721835)

I was wondering if using a citrus based cleaner/degreaser on leather seats would harm them? I didn't find anything searching through the forums so I thought I would ask before trying it and having my seats end up ruined.

Has anyone used Chemical Guys heavy duty clay bar? It appears that it would be the exact thing I need for the paint problem I'm having. From the rear doors and back it almost feels like sandpaper and up close looks like sand is on the paint. You can't tell from a distance when it's clean but it's annoying. I used Meguiar's Clay Kit and the clay went from white to brown. It made the paint look and feel better but it's nowhere as clean as it could be :(. I'm guessing that any clay bar in a big box store is a fine grade clay.

for the leather seating try D181 and follow it up with D180.. Serious case you can use purple power (diluted) followed up with a leather conditioner.. For clay buy the cheap stuff on amazon or ebay something that is compared to clay magic, Clay lube dodo juice or quick detailer.

AaronMI

01-17-2013 03:43 PM

Re: Citrus based cleaner/degreaser and question about clay bar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver WK
(Post 741904)

for the leather seating try D181 and follow it up with D180.. Serious case you can use purple power (diluted) followed up with a leather conditioner.. For clay buy the cheap stuff on amazon or ebay something that is compared to clay magic, Clay lube dodo juice or quick detailer.

Clay Magic (Evercoat now) is awesome. Removed fine red overspray from fence painting project this summer. I didn't bother buying the lube - dish soap and water works just as good.

MichiganSRT8

01-17-2013 07:18 PM

Re: Citrus based cleaner/degreaser and question about clay bar.

I know everyone has chimed in about their opinion on what to do but I just wanted to give you my opinion. Im not showing off, but I have worked in the industry for a while along with tons of experience high end and ill say this is probably your best bed as of now to take care of your problem.

As for your seat problem, I would recommend using Adams Polishes Leather and Interior Cleaner, the great thing about this product is you can buy it and but it 50/50 with water and it will be plenty strong. This product should be used with a mr clean magic eraser in conjunction. This will take care of most problem areas, the only thing to look for is too much color transfer as that may happen if you do not dilute it, and when you do dilute it will go a long way.

And as for clay I recommend using Adams detail clay along with Adams detail spray. This combo is one of the best still in the industry and can be used from professionals to first time users. I recommend this clay as well as you dont want to use too aggressive clay because it will actually scratch your paint with the grit that is inside the bar.

All in all you will spend:

$4 for erasers
$15 interior cleaner
$35 detail spray/clay
$54 total

And both adams products can be bought from their website or detailers domain.com, and if you join their forum you get 10% off everything.

just my .02, and what works in my arsenal and has created these results.

If its that bad, look for CarPro Iron X, it reduced my clay use...helps get after big stuff and the stuff you can't see, spray on, let sit a couple minutes, wipe with damp sponge, wait for the color to change, rinse. Even clean looking paint had a bunch of color change indicating paint contamination. For the leather, start light then go stronger, damp rag to start, then maybe Lexol cleaner or Griots leather care then work up. You didn't mention if the seats are just dirty, or something like stain from blue jeans, very different approaches to achieve your results. Only use the erasers in worse case, very hard on the leather.
Funny, I've never used soap and water for clay lube, maybe it's just me, I tend to use detailer or clay lube...I know there are tricks to everything...just couldn't see using that as clay lube on some of the cars I do.

joenjulie

02-02-2013 06:03 AM

Re: Citrus based cleaner/degreaser and question about clay bar.

I did a Lexus with seats like that( that dirty and color of leather)but can't find the pics, she was embarrassed when I took a test spot pic and sent her, she saw just how dirty her seats were...amazes me people are ok with sitting on filth, they may have been even worse, the handles, wheel and shifter, almost black and sticky. She had not done leather ever in 7 years and has dogs, left wet towels from swimming on the seats, you name it. I said, I'm not a miracle worker...5.5hrs later, the interior was clean. Funny thing was, she was anal about the outside, washed every 2-4 days, waxed 2-3 weeks...inside trashed.